Policies and FAQ
POLICIES
Consultation visit:
This is a free to you single visit before any service is to be rendered by DWBD. Any visits after the initial not pertaining to petcare services are subject to a $20 fee. During this visit you will provide DWBD with TWO working copies of your house key. If you do not have two, we will make them for you for an additional $10 fee. Payment for scheduled services is also due at this time. Services will not be rendered unless payment is up front and valid. See payment policy below.
Key policies:
DWBD requires TWO COPIES of your house keys, and if you do not currently have two, we will make them for you for a $10 fee. You have the option to let DWBD retain your keys for no charge for future visits, or have them returned by mail once you return for a $10 mailing fee(Will be mailed within 5 business days of your return). DWBD will not leave keys in home upon last visit, under mats, etc… This is in case an emergency arises and you need us to get to your pets again before your return. All keys are coded without any personal information of yours that would lead back to you or your home. If DWBD has to return to your home to pick up a key after initial consult, it will be a $15 dollar fee.
Other persons entering home:
During DWBD’s scheduled services, we are required to be informed of ALL people entering home/property while you’re away. Anyone not on that list will be considered suspicious, and 911 will be called immediately. If there are other people taking care of your pets in part while you’re away, we require their contact information, and intended schedule in case we need to touch base.
Cancellation policy:
We here at DWBD try to be as flexible as possible, as we know plans may change unexpectedly. For dog walking sessions, cancellations with at least 24 hours notice will get a credit added to their account for the appropriate walk length. Services are non-refundable, and only credits are applied. For farm sitting visits, refunds are as follows:
3 Week or more notice of cancellation: 100% refund(or equal account credit)
Less than 3 weeks notice of cancellation: 50% refund(or equal account credit)
Less than one week notice of cancellation: 25% refund(or equal account credit)
Less than 3 days notice of cancellation: NO refund
Payment Policies:
Payment for all dog walking/drop-in services are due on the first day of services each week, and will be automatically charged VIA credit card on file with us. We reserve the right to decline/end services for non payment or declined cards at any time. ONLY discussed services will be charged, and all information is stored confidentially. This method of weekly charging allows for us to keep business running smoothly, and is one less thing for our clients to remember during their busy week!
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For farm sitting clients, payment will be charged following receipt of total for all care via email invoice. Client will not be charged until they confirm all charges look correct. Failure to confirm invoice correctness will be taken as services being no longer needed
In home pet accidents:
DWBD is not liable for any injury to your pet(s) in your home, or on your property (Broken glass, wood splinters etc…) due to owner negligence to fix dangerous surroundings. Your pet will only be taken off of your property(other than walks) in lieu of an emergency, and DWBD will not be liable for any injury to your pet between your home, and the vet.
Expenses:
Any purchases needed during your absence (Litter, food, etc..) will be charged at full price to you upon your return. We will retain receipt for proof of purchase.
Rejection of services:
If DWBD believes our services will not be a good fit for clients or their pets, we reserve the right to refuse services for our own safety and well being. If your pet shows aggression/extreme fear to a walker during consult, we reserve the right to refuse services on the premise we will not be able to fulfill our duties as a dog walker in full and safely.
Alarm systems:
DWBD suggests letting your alarm company know you’ve hired us to take care of your pets, and be in your home. DWBD requires the disarm code, or if you’re uncomfortable with giving us that, please temporarily disarm or set up a special code for us to use during visits.
Inclement Weather Policy:
DWBD reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to adjust the timing of visits, and to cancel daily dog walks due to weather, national emergency, and/or other emergency. If the local government offices close, all daily dog walks will be cancelled, and clients will receive an account credit for missed walks. DWBD will make EVERY EFFORT to make it to your home on time for visits, but we may adjust times and lengths to make our travel to your pet the safest possible. In the event weather is inclement and we absolutely cannot make it, we will call your closest emergency contact and discuss them visiting until we can make it. For extremely rainy/stormy days, dog walks will be changed to a check-in.
Unpredictability Policy:
Animals behavior can be unpredictable. DWBD does not accept responsibility or liability for animal behavior, normal or otherwise, which results in injury or death to the clients animals.
Pet Containment Policy:
DWBD is not to be held responsible for any injury/illness/death that results from a faulty method of containment(This includes crates of any material, baby and pet gates, doors, fences, gates, electric containment or otherwise).
Walk-Wear Policy:
DWBD will make sure all walk wear is in good shape before a walk service, but we are not liable for any escape/injury/death that occurs from the walk-wear itself, or an escape from it.
Medication Policy:
DWBD is experienced with many types of medication administration. We require all medicating directions to be shown upon initial consultation. We are not liable for any injury/illness/death that occurs from medicating your pet, or your pet not allowing us to correctly administer medication. Although, in our history this has never once been an issue.
Update text policy:
DWBD will send one update daily VIA text, with pictures on occasion. More can be sent per day if specified. The time you receive these updates does not always reflect our visit times, and may be in between visits when we have enough time to compose a nice update.
FAQ:
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Are you like, Insured and stuff?!
Absolutely!!! For your peace of mind, and mine! If you'd like to see proof of insurance, just ask!
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Do you have any emergency care credentials?
Yes, I am Pet CPR and Emergency First-Aid certified through Paws n' Claws 911, and equine emergency first aid certified through EquiAid. Proof of certification available if you'd like to see it! Also, years of dog and horse ownership have taught me a few things too!
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Is it just you, or does anyone else work with you?
Mostly, It's me, Dani! But on occasion, my husband Seth, assists me with visits and overnight stays. Don't worry, he is insured too!
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Do you only offer dog walking?
No! I also offer daily check-ins for pets, long-line play, hiking adventures, and farm sitting for your horses, donkeys, or other livestock! While some pups love going on walks, some dogs(Seniors, puppies or otherwise!) may just enjoy a little midday potty break with playtime or cuddles instead while you're at work.. Vacation care for farms, focuses on horses, but also goats, chickens, etc! Check our "services offered" page for more info.
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My dog has a basic nylon collar, is that ok for him to walk in?
Provided it is the proper fit and is not broken or tearing, absolutely! I do however, highly recommend a well fitting harness for walks, but do not require one. I would be happy to help in determining if your dog's collar/harness is a good fit if you are unsure!
My dog is leash reactive towards people, and reacts aggressively to anyone but myself, can you still walk him?
For the safety of all, I cannot take on a dog that may pose as a danger to myself, and other people. And although your dog will not be introduced to people or to other dogs on a walk, it could be a potential danger if another dog happen to be off leash, and could also cause your dog unnecessary stress.The best chance of improvement would be to seek the opinion of a certified dog trainer or behavioral specialist, who could help you find out what may be causing the problem. This is still your beloved dog, and I only want the best for every pup!
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How do payments work?
Payment is charged on the first day of rendered services weekly VIA credit card on file for my dog walking clients, and in full with card on file before departure for my farm sitting clients.
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My dog is great on leash, but does not do well with other dogs, is this a potential problem for a walk with you?
I do not stop to let your pup interact with other dogs while on a walk. It comes down to safety for both parties. Your dog or theirs may be frightened or stressed in a leash introduction situation, or even if they are great with this type of thing, I wouldn’t want to expose your dog to another who may be of ill health, etc… My only focus is on your dog, for a safe and fun walk to give them some good clean fun and enrichment!
Do you offer pet-sitting?
At this time, I do not offer pet sitting for dogs on the basis that dog walking is only Monday-Friday and weekends are for farm care. I am currently considering hiring on to take on this role, to expand our services to you!
Can I setup a recurring schedule?
Yes! I would be happy to set up a recurring schedule for you! Just ask.
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Do you have references available?
Yes! Upon request, both dog and horse care related :)
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My dog is friendly, but shy around new people and takes some time to warm up…
This is perfectly normal, especially for a dog in their own home! “New person?! Not sure I should trust them yet…” is a normal process for a good amount of dogs, and I always make sure if a dog is wary to let them get comfortable with me on their own terms. I will never “chase” any dog to leash them. It it always a mutual agreement to let me get them ready for a walk or potty time! The initial consultation acts as a great time to assess if a dog will be a good fit for our services.
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Dog Walks by Dani is a small, mostly owner operated pet care business. I will surely try my best to accommodate your needs, and If I currently do not have an opening, I will place you on a waiting list if you would like to do so! Thank you for choosing us!